London Borough Of Harrow – 3m Maximum rear extension

Harrow Planning have a 3m rule of thumb for the maximum you can extend a single story extension to the rear:

If you have already extended, then you can only extend up to 3m.

Harrow considers this to be ‘generally acceptable’.

In at least one case this 3m rule has been cited to bring enforcement on unauthorized developments. One such project extruded 7.1m beyond the rear!

All extensions should be subordinate features, and the Council particularly looks at the increased size in footprint to determine whether it is a dominant structure. 7.1m extension increases the footprint of the dwelling by approximately 70%.

The main concern is that developments do not become unacceptable on amenity grounds and ‘detrimental to the character and appearance of the Site and the locality.’

Camden – Demolish building because of PVC windows

In the article below, the property owners built their extension without planning permission. Camden Planning has no objection about the size and use of the extension, but the owners are ordered to demolish the extension unless they change the windows from PVC to timber.

Reason – their materials and detailed design have a detrimental impact on the architectural quality of the existing building and the character, appearance and setting of the surrounding conservation area.

http://planningonline.camden.gov.uk/MULTIWAM/showCaseFile.do?appType=Planning&appNumber=2009%2F2268%2FP

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London Borough Of Camden – Inappropriate Window Design

Camden planning will refuse planning permission purely on the grounds that the windows are PVC instead of timber in a conservation area. The decision notice for refusal clearly states:

…no objection is raised in design or amenity terms to the height and bulk of the ground and second floor rear extension.

In plain English, we accept the shape and provision of the extension but we do not accept the PVC window frames.

FOR PLANNING ADVICE…

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Is it permitted development?

That is the first question to ask. The Law allows you the right to do a certain amount of development on your propery the way you wish.

Have you every asked – why don’t I have the right to do what I want with my house?

Well, yes, that is precisely what permitted development rights are.

But there is a limit to this. The restrictions are on what your house looked like if it existed in 1948.

If it did not exist in 1948, then whenever it was built.

You are allowed to ADD to your house by

1. 50 cubic metres or

2. 25% of the existing house volume (15% for terraced houses)

Whichever is the bigger of the two. This is all you can do.

The good thing is that since this does not fall under the planning application legislation,

You can basically do anything, and no one can oppose you.